Vampire Weekend have settled a lawsuit with a model who claims she never gave permission for her image to be used on the band's Contra album cover. Ann Kirsten Kennis filed a $$2 million (£1.3m) suit against Vampire Weekend and its label Xl Recordings, asserting that her signature on a consent form was forged by photographer Tod Brody. The photo of Kennis, which was taken in the 1980s, had also been used to promote Vampire Weekend's 2010 tour. Kennis has now filed a motion to dismiss the case after reaching an undisclosed settlement with Vampire Weekend, Photo (more)...
- 8/16/2011
- by By Justin Harp
- Digital Spy
Rockers Vampire Weekend have won permission from a judge to serve a photographer with legal papers via email or post after failing to track him down in the ongoing battle over their "Contra" album artwork. <br><br /> Former model Ann Kirsten Kennis filed a $2 million lawsuit against the band back in July claiming they used her picture in the sleeve art without proper permission. The group has hit back by blaming snapper Tod Brody for the legal mess and filed their own lawsuit in August alleging he purported to have the rights to license the Polaroid image of Kennis for use on the record's cover and in concert promotions. <br><br /> But attempts to contact Brody have failed, so the group's legal team and Kennis' lawyers filed a request with a U.S. court asking permission to pass on a summons via email or post rather than serve him the papers in person, which is the norm.
- 12/2/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Vampire Weekend fans may recall that, back in July, yellow-polo-shirt-wearing Contra cover model Ann Kirsten Kennis filed suit against the band for the unauthorized use of her photo (a Polaroid shot in 1983) on the cover of the band's second album. The band maintains that the photo was purchased legitimately. Kennis thinks they should have perceived that the man who sold it to them was a shyster. Which brings us to the increasingly poor decisions of Tod Brody, the photographer in question. The man responsible for this whole stink has turned into the Julian Assange of unauthorized photography sales to indie bands. He's gone into hiding, probably surreptitiously visiting galleries while he looks over his shoulder (or eating ramen noodles in a boarding house that he never leaves — who knows?) So now Kennis and the band have taken a novel approach to tracking him down, according [...]...
- 12/1/2010
- Nerve
You know this album cover, don’t you? Of course you do. It’s Vampire Weekend‘s Contra. Like it says. You might also be aware that the lovely lady with the haunting gaze and the Wasp features and the Ralph Lauren popped collar shirt that I so covet isn’t happy about her image being appropriated and plastered all over the world without her permission. It’s taken her a bit, but former model Ann Kirsten Kennis has filed a 2 million dollar lawsuit against Vampire Weekend, their label and the guy who claims to have taken the Polaroid, Tod Brody. Now 52, she says she doesn’t remember the picture being taken back in 1983, whereas Brody says it was definitely taken during a model casting call. You can read the full article over at Vanity Fair. Point being, Kennis has a kick ass modeling portfolio from the 80′s and early 90′s.
- 8/25/2010
- by Sarah Walker
- BestWeekEver
Former model and photographer go back and forth in new Vanity Fair over album art.
By James Montgomery
Vampire Weekend's <i>Contra</i>
Photo: Xl
In a new Vanity Fair story, both sides in the ongoing Vampire Weekend Contra cover-girl lawsuit — that would be former model Ann Kirsten Kennis and photographer Tod Brody — sound off. (Vw refused to comment.) And judging from what they have to say, this thing isn't going to be resolved anytime soon.
At the heart of the suit (which Kennis' lawyer, Alan Neigher, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court back in July) is a single Polaroid of the towheaded model taken in 1983 and whether Vampire Weekend, Xl Recordings or Brody ever attained Kennis' permission to use it on the now-famous cover of Vw's Contra album. The band, the label and the photographer all insist they followed the appropriate steps — even getting a signed release from Kennis — while...
By James Montgomery
Vampire Weekend's <i>Contra</i>
Photo: Xl
In a new Vanity Fair story, both sides in the ongoing Vampire Weekend Contra cover-girl lawsuit — that would be former model Ann Kirsten Kennis and photographer Tod Brody — sound off. (Vw refused to comment.) And judging from what they have to say, this thing isn't going to be resolved anytime soon.
At the heart of the suit (which Kennis' lawyer, Alan Neigher, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court back in July) is a single Polaroid of the towheaded model taken in 1983 and whether Vampire Weekend, Xl Recordings or Brody ever attained Kennis' permission to use it on the now-famous cover of Vw's Contra album. The band, the label and the photographer all insist they followed the appropriate steps — even getting a signed release from Kennis — while...
- 8/25/2010
- MTV Music News
The album cover for Vampire Weekend's "Contra" features a pretty young woman from the '80s giving the ol' dear-in-the-headlights for a photographer. But while the photo itself seems pretty tame, the controversy (or nontroversy) behind it is not. Former model Kirsten Kennis is suing Vampire Weekend, its label Xl and photographer Tod Brody for $2 million for unauthorized use of her image. Kennis says that her mother took the photo of her over 20 years ago and that Brody forged her signature on the photo release. Brody has retorted that the charge is "blatantly false." As for the band and Xl:...
- 7/20/2010
- by Katie Hasty
- Hitfix
Vampire Weekend have admitted to feeling frustrated at being the subject of a lawsuit over the front cover of their recent album Contra. Ann Kirsten Kennis, the model whose 1983 image features on the LP sleeve, has sued the band and photographer Tod Brody, claiming that her signature on a consent form had been forged. Frontman Ezra Koenig told NME: "I think I can speak for all of us and say this is the first time any of us have ever been sued, so we're still learning (more)...
- 7/19/2010
- by By Mayer Nissim
- Digital Spy
Frontman Ezra Koenig calls album-cover suit 'a little frustrating.'
By James Montgomery
Kirsten Kennis featured on the Vampire Weekend's album "Contra"
Photo: Xl Recordings
Last week, Ann Kirsten Kennis — the cover star of Vampire Weekend's Contra album — filed suit against the band in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging that her signature was forged on photographer Tod Brody's photographic release.
At the time, Vw's label, Xl Recordings, told MTV News they had "no comment" on Kennis' lawsuit, and the only comment from the band itself was a winking emoticon tweeted by frontman Ezra Koenig.
Since then, things have changed.
First, Entertainment Weekly spoke to Kennis' attorney and Brody, who, somewhat understandably, had differing opinions about the suit.
Alan Neigher, who is representing Kennis, said his client was unaware that a Polaroid of her was being used by the band until her daughter told her, adding that the...
By James Montgomery
Kirsten Kennis featured on the Vampire Weekend's album "Contra"
Photo: Xl Recordings
Last week, Ann Kirsten Kennis — the cover star of Vampire Weekend's Contra album — filed suit against the band in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging that her signature was forged on photographer Tod Brody's photographic release.
At the time, Vw's label, Xl Recordings, told MTV News they had "no comment" on Kennis' lawsuit, and the only comment from the band itself was a winking emoticon tweeted by frontman Ezra Koenig.
Since then, things have changed.
First, Entertainment Weekly spoke to Kennis' attorney and Brody, who, somewhat understandably, had differing opinions about the suit.
Alan Neigher, who is representing Kennis, said his client was unaware that a Polaroid of her was being used by the band until her daughter told her, adding that the...
- 7/19/2010
- MTV Music News
Vampire Weekend has got sued by a woman featured on the cover of their second album. "Contra". On Wednesday, July 14, Ann Kirsten Kennis has filed for a lawsuit against the band, label Xl Recordings and photographer Tod Brody in Los Angeles Superior Court, accusing them of using her photo without her permission.
Seeking more than $2 million for misappropriation of identity, Ann noted the photo was taken around 1983, when she was working as "a high-fashion model under contract with prestigious agencies in New York City." Claiming the signature on the release form was forged, she added she had no idea it was featured on the cover of the album until the band began promoting the album in November 2009.
TMZ was the first to brought up the news to attention. MTV News later on came up with a confirmation, reporting that on Thursday, July 15, an officer in the Public Information office of the L.
Seeking more than $2 million for misappropriation of identity, Ann noted the photo was taken around 1983, when she was working as "a high-fashion model under contract with prestigious agencies in New York City." Claiming the signature on the release form was forged, she added she had no idea it was featured on the cover of the album until the band began promoting the album in November 2009.
TMZ was the first to brought up the news to attention. MTV News later on came up with a confirmation, reporting that on Thursday, July 15, an officer in the Public Information office of the L.
- 7/16/2010
- by celebrity-mania.com
- Celebrity Mania
A cover girl appearing on the front page of Vampire Weekend's latest album "Contra" files lawsuit against the band, alleging them using her image without her consent. The woman named Ann Kirsten Kennis filed the legal paper at Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday, July 14.
In addition to naming Vampire Weekend, Kennis also mentions photographer Tod Brody on the document. She believes the band obtained a "photographic release" from Brody and claims it contains
her forged signature. She blames the band for not bothering to verify the legitimacy of the release.
Kennis had the vintage photo, featuring her wearing a yellow Polo shirt, taken back in 1983 when she worked as "a high-fashion model under contract with prestigious agencies in New York City." She had no idea it was featured on the cover of "Contra" until the band came out promoting it in November 2009.
Now, she is seeking more than...
In addition to naming Vampire Weekend, Kennis also mentions photographer Tod Brody on the document. She believes the band obtained a "photographic release" from Brody and claims it contains
her forged signature. She blames the band for not bothering to verify the legitimacy of the release.
Kennis had the vintage photo, featuring her wearing a yellow Polo shirt, taken back in 1983 when she worked as "a high-fashion model under contract with prestigious agencies in New York City." She had no idea it was featured on the cover of "Contra" until the band came out promoting it in November 2009.
Now, she is seeking more than...
- 7/16/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Ann Kirsten Kennis claims her signature was forged on the photo release.
By James Montgomery
Ann Kirsten Kennis featured on Vampire Weekend's album <i>Contra</i>
Photo: Xl Recordings
Well, after months of speculation, we finally know who the wide-eyed Wasp-y girl on the cover of Vampire Weekend's Contra album is — but the guys in Vw probably would have preferred if everyone were kept in the dark.
That's because on Wednesday, the blond, Polo-wearing woman on the cover of the album — her name is Ann Kirsten Kennis, btw — filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court, claiming the band (or, as they're referred to in the suit, "Vampire Weekend, Inc") and photographer Tod Brody used her image without her permission.
At the heart of the suit is a photographic release Vw obtained from Brody, one Kennis claims contains her forged signature. Kennis — who is suing the band and the photographer for more than $2 million,...
By James Montgomery
Ann Kirsten Kennis featured on Vampire Weekend's album <i>Contra</i>
Photo: Xl Recordings
Well, after months of speculation, we finally know who the wide-eyed Wasp-y girl on the cover of Vampire Weekend's Contra album is — but the guys in Vw probably would have preferred if everyone were kept in the dark.
That's because on Wednesday, the blond, Polo-wearing woman on the cover of the album — her name is Ann Kirsten Kennis, btw — filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court, claiming the band (or, as they're referred to in the suit, "Vampire Weekend, Inc") and photographer Tod Brody used her image without her permission.
At the heart of the suit is a photographic release Vw obtained from Brody, one Kennis claims contains her forged signature. Kennis — who is suing the band and the photographer for more than $2 million,...
- 7/15/2010
- MTV Music News
New York, June 11 – Kenneth Starr’s ex-stripper wife Diane Passage may have to hump the pole again as federal regulars will oppose all attempts to unfreeze the jailed money manager’s assets. This means Passage will have to fend for herself and her 12-year-old boy Jordan.
“Ms. Passage would not be the first spouse of a fraudster to be harmed by their spouse, but unfortunately our priority is the investors,” The New York Post quoted SEC lawyer Todd Brody, as saying.
Starr, 66, reportedly cheated a string of prominent clients to live a life of luxury.
Magician David Blaine and actor Al Pacino.
“Ms. Passage would not be the first spouse of a fraudster to be harmed by their spouse, but unfortunately our priority is the investors,” The New York Post quoted SEC lawyer Todd Brody, as saying.
Starr, 66, reportedly cheated a string of prominent clients to live a life of luxury.
Magician David Blaine and actor Al Pacino.
- 6/11/2010
- by News
- RealBollywood.com
By the New York Post
A judge Tuesday appointed a monitor to oversee the business of money-manager-to-the-stars Kenneth Starr after federal regulators revealed that he took out about $4 million in mortgages on the swanky condo he allegedly bought with cash swindled from actress Uma Thurman and other wealthy clients.
SEC lawyer Todd Brody also said authorities were investigating additional reports from some of Starr's clients that "their money may have been misappropriated." "Many of them have attempted to withdraw their funds...and have canceled the power of attorney Starr had over the...
A judge Tuesday appointed a monitor to oversee the business of money-manager-to-the-stars Kenneth Starr after federal regulators revealed that he took out about $4 million in mortgages on the swanky condo he allegedly bought with cash swindled from actress Uma Thurman and other wealthy clients.
SEC lawyer Todd Brody also said authorities were investigating additional reports from some of Starr's clients that "their money may have been misappropriated." "Many of them have attempted to withdraw their funds...and have canceled the power of attorney Starr had over the...
- 6/1/2010
- by Lew Harris
- The Wrap
The only tactful answer that Bessie can give to queries about how her father, who has long been bedridden with a stroke, is doing is to muster "he's still with us." That's the mournful reality of "Marvin's Room", a powerful and sobering look into dying and death. Boasting superb performances from Meryl Streep and Diane Keaton as two very different sisters who are brought together by a deadly disease, this Miramax film is a bracingly strong human drama.
Although its sobering subject matter may prove too difficult for casual holiday viewers, the film's many strengths will carry it far by word-of-mouth. Likely award nominations for Streep and Keaton, as well as positive reviews, will rejuvenate its long-term commercial prognosis.
As sisters, Lee (Streep) and Bessie (Keaton) couldn't be more different: Lee is vain and self-absorbed, while Bessie is plain and care-giving. They haven't seen each other in nearly 20 years -- single mother Lee has been raising two boys in Ohio, while Bessie has tended to their bedridden father (Hume Cronyn) in Florida. Like most estranged relations who only get together at funerals and weddings, it's an overpowering personal occasion that brings the two together. Bessie has been diagnosed with leukemia and needs a bone-marrow transplant, and only Lee or her offspring, as blood-related donors, can help.
A surface diagnosis of such a story line might lead one to suspect that the plot of this "disease" movie might be occluded by sugar, schmaltz and other sweetly unnatural particles, but "Marvin's Room" is a stunningly vital story of human need and selfless sacrifice. Screenwriter Scott McPherson, who has adapted the work from his own play, has created a hauntingly identifiable family situation and peopled it with characters whose needs and imperfections are completely realistic. While the characters are put to their ultimate tests when facing this life-and-death situation, their actions are altogether believable. Characters truly struggle, some more successfully than others, in dealing with the harsh hands that life, and now death, have dealt them.
Jerry Zaks' direction, combining a sharp clinician's eye with a soft consoler's heart, brings to life the very marrow of this hard subject. The performances are very special, particularly those by Streep and Keaton. As the chain-smoking, hardened Lee, Streep's nervous mannerisms and domineering attitude show an insecure woman who lives in constant terror of her needs.
Keaton's performance is similarly brilliant. The supporting players also reveal their characters' nerve endings, particularly Gwen Verdon and Robert De Niro. Hal Scardino, as the younger son, who attracts our attention while absorbing the frustrations of all his elders.
Powered by subtlety, "Marvin's Room" is a brilliantly constructed film, highlighted by Piotr Sobocinski's muted pastel colorings and invigorated by Rachel Portman's spare score.
MARVIN'S ROOM
Miramax Films
A Scott Rudin/Tribeca production
Producers Scott Rudin, Jane Rosenthal,
Robert De Niro
Director Jerry Zaks
Screenwriter Scott McPherson,
based upon his play
Executive producers Tod Scott Brody,
Lori Steinberg
Co-producers David Wisnievitz, Bonnie Palef, Adam Schroeder
Director of photography Piotr Sobocinski
Production design David Gropman
Editor Jim Clark
Costume design Julie Weiss
Casting Ilene Starger
Music Rachel Portman
Sound mix Danny Michael
Color/stereo
Cast:
Lee Meryl Streep
Hank Leonardo DiCaprio
Bessie Diane Keaton
Dr. Wally Robert De Niro
Marvin Hume Cronyn
Ruth Gwen Verdon
Charlie Hal Scardino
Bob Dan Hedaya
Dr. Charlotte Margo Martindale
Running time -- 93 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
Although its sobering subject matter may prove too difficult for casual holiday viewers, the film's many strengths will carry it far by word-of-mouth. Likely award nominations for Streep and Keaton, as well as positive reviews, will rejuvenate its long-term commercial prognosis.
As sisters, Lee (Streep) and Bessie (Keaton) couldn't be more different: Lee is vain and self-absorbed, while Bessie is plain and care-giving. They haven't seen each other in nearly 20 years -- single mother Lee has been raising two boys in Ohio, while Bessie has tended to their bedridden father (Hume Cronyn) in Florida. Like most estranged relations who only get together at funerals and weddings, it's an overpowering personal occasion that brings the two together. Bessie has been diagnosed with leukemia and needs a bone-marrow transplant, and only Lee or her offspring, as blood-related donors, can help.
A surface diagnosis of such a story line might lead one to suspect that the plot of this "disease" movie might be occluded by sugar, schmaltz and other sweetly unnatural particles, but "Marvin's Room" is a stunningly vital story of human need and selfless sacrifice. Screenwriter Scott McPherson, who has adapted the work from his own play, has created a hauntingly identifiable family situation and peopled it with characters whose needs and imperfections are completely realistic. While the characters are put to their ultimate tests when facing this life-and-death situation, their actions are altogether believable. Characters truly struggle, some more successfully than others, in dealing with the harsh hands that life, and now death, have dealt them.
Jerry Zaks' direction, combining a sharp clinician's eye with a soft consoler's heart, brings to life the very marrow of this hard subject. The performances are very special, particularly those by Streep and Keaton. As the chain-smoking, hardened Lee, Streep's nervous mannerisms and domineering attitude show an insecure woman who lives in constant terror of her needs.
Keaton's performance is similarly brilliant. The supporting players also reveal their characters' nerve endings, particularly Gwen Verdon and Robert De Niro. Hal Scardino, as the younger son, who attracts our attention while absorbing the frustrations of all his elders.
Powered by subtlety, "Marvin's Room" is a brilliantly constructed film, highlighted by Piotr Sobocinski's muted pastel colorings and invigorated by Rachel Portman's spare score.
MARVIN'S ROOM
Miramax Films
A Scott Rudin/Tribeca production
Producers Scott Rudin, Jane Rosenthal,
Robert De Niro
Director Jerry Zaks
Screenwriter Scott McPherson,
based upon his play
Executive producers Tod Scott Brody,
Lori Steinberg
Co-producers David Wisnievitz, Bonnie Palef, Adam Schroeder
Director of photography Piotr Sobocinski
Production design David Gropman
Editor Jim Clark
Costume design Julie Weiss
Casting Ilene Starger
Music Rachel Portman
Sound mix Danny Michael
Color/stereo
Cast:
Lee Meryl Streep
Hank Leonardo DiCaprio
Bessie Diane Keaton
Dr. Wally Robert De Niro
Marvin Hume Cronyn
Ruth Gwen Verdon
Charlie Hal Scardino
Bob Dan Hedaya
Dr. Charlotte Margo Martindale
Running time -- 93 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
- 12/9/1996
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.